Music

“I would teach children music, physics, and philosophy; but most importantly music, for the patterns in music and all the arts are the keys to learning.” – Plato

Outside the classroom, music tuition in a wide range of musical instruments is offered to girls. Just a few of the instruments being chosen by the girls to learn at present include violin, cello, harp, saxophone, flute, clarinet, piano and singing lessons. These lessons are taught by visiting peripatetic staff on a rotating timetable, which is organised to ensure minimum disruption to academic studies.

Each term Inglefield House holds an informal Tea Concert where the girls showcase their musical achievements from both their individual music lessons and from extra-curricular activities including the Inglefield House orchestra and Chamber Music.

The Christingle service is one of the highlights of the year in Inglefield House, and allows the musical talents of the girls to be used to the maximum. Both Upper and Lower school choirs perform a song each, and the orchestra accompanies one of the hymns and also plays it’s own piece. The service is completed by the magical performance of the Star Carol, with the church in darkness and lit only by the candles from the Christingles that each girl carries.

The big event in the Lent term is the Eisteddfod with all the girls taking part in some form. There is a highly contested choir competition between the four houses as well as individual music competitions culminating in the honour of competing for the Blue Riband for the best four musicians.

The end of year concert is not to be missed in the Summer term, with all of the girls taking part. This is followed by the orchestra performing at Speech Day.